I realize that I am probably just being ignorant and perpetuating ridiculous stereotypes, but I have never wanted to leave the friendly confines of Texas. In fact, the debate for me has always been how can I avoid Houston and relocate to either the Dallas or Austin areas. I love that you don’t have earthquakes like California, tornadoes like the Midwest, bad hurricanes like the coast (at least where I’d be living), and cold winters like the Northern states. Most importantly you can play baseball virtually year round in Texas.
It’s not that I haven’t been other places because I have; it is just that I genuinely like Texas better. It is where I want to raise a family, I think. Well, aside from all of that I have always considered myself someone with a relatively open mind. This past semester I worked on a consulting project with OfficeMax, and really loved the city of Naperville (CNN’s Money Magazine’s #2 place to live in 2006).
Additionally, I have always said that the best time to get out, take some chances and see the world are right after graduation, when I’m still young, unmarried, and have plenty of flexibility. So what if a phenomenal opportunity presented itself in the Chicago area? In the North East? Would I be capable of leaving all of my family and friends and re-locating? As I will invariably have to find a job during this upcoming fall semester, this is something that continues to weigh on my mind.
Ideally, I would love to be in the Dallas area (Plano, Richardson, Carrollton, Denton, Richland Hills, Flour Mound, Frisco, Addison, etc.), but what if the circumstances dictate relocation?
Part of the reason I’m scared of relocation is not that I am scared I will hate it, but that I am scared I might really like it. I really enjoy my family, and want to be able to visit my parents as they continue to age. What if one of them falls ill? Relocation is really expensive if you’re a homeowner, have a family, etc.
I certainly do not want to be in a situation like the one fellow Brazen Careerist, Monica O’Brien found herself in, but I do want to enable myself to learn, grow, and experience all life has to offer, yet to maintain my optimal happiness (and a large part of that is being around my family).
So weigh in, what do you think? Is this natural? Am I perpetuating stereotypes about Texans? What are some of the pros and cons of relocating? If you’ve done it, share your experiences good or bad.
you obviously haven’t lived in Denver… I am a Texan but will never go back after moving here…
@ Daniel
I hear GREAT things about Denver, and it is definitely a place I wouldn’t mind trying provided that the situation was right. I just don’t think I’d want to handle the cold winters though… and the baseball man. There has to be virtually year round baseball. HA.
Other places that I’ve heard great things about are Madison, WI and San Diego, CA (but who can afford to live in San Diego?)
I would say most importantly you realize that many of us in other states LOVE where we are from and yes we think it is the best place on earth…just like many texans do…the differece is that we realize that we emotionally develop…baby, teen , adult…and that we are more than the place we come from…There are other great countries besides the US, other great states besides Texas. That my friend is why we all need to live in other places. We learn those most about ourselves (devfelop) when we are away from our comforts
@ Kevin
I agree provided the circumstances are right for a move Kevin. If I was offered just a TINY bit better job in somewhere far away I would probably stay in Texas; it will definitely take a great opportunity to lure me away.
That said, I think it would be a great opportunity to grow as a person and really learn a lot about myself!
Thanks for your comments guys!!
I’m terrified as well.
*It’s hard going to a new company – having to meet all new people, figure out how the company works, what your responsibilities are, etc
*a new town – figuring out norms of that area, finding people your age to befriend, finding new grocery stores! LOL
*and most definitely it’s hard being away from your friends and family – aka your support system.
I am in the exact same situation, except it is Wisconsin vs. New York City. And when I say WI I mean a town of 7,000 people vs. NYC. It is scary, but that can be a good thing and you can always go home.
Look at it from another perspective (this is an old post – so maybe you’ve found a job?) – consider your ability to relocate as a good thing.
I’ve been working remotely from rural Minnesota & when I decided to change jobs last April it was really challenging. read *pain in the butt* So enjoy your flexibility now! It took me awhile to creatively put together some contracting options, and it’s much better now (I’m so busy I can barely see straight), but don’t limit yourself too much. (I can relate – I used to be that way too…). My best advice it to relax & enjoy life. At 42 I’ve finally figured that out. But I really wish that I would have longgg ago!
Connie
@ Connie – Actually still looking for a job; trying to find that ‘right fit.’
It’s been exactly 3 months since I wrote this post, and now my fear of re-locating is relatively small as long as it is a job that I’m very passionate about, with a good company culture and the ability to learn a lot for my employers and peers. And certainly a competitive salary wouldn’t hurt either.
I think one of the reasons this post was so popular at the time (and still gets some hits) is because this is an issue that really resonates with people either scared of or looking to make the transition.
Thanks for the advice!
I completely understand. I am a native Houstonian, and have a great life in the city with my husband and dogs. We have a beautiful home, lots of friends, etc.
My husband is transferring to Denver, and we have listed our home. We have friends in Denver, however, I am terrified to leave my current digs. . .